Cousins at Pearl Lake

The Ruble family arrived in Wisconsin on Tuesday night and we met them at Grammy and Buppa's on Wednesday. 

The kids were thrilled for some "normal" and jumped right into cousin time at the lake. 

Each year obviously makes a difference as they grow - but it was fun to see them just take off and do their thing. This is one of my favorite pictures - G&B relaxing and watching from the pier. 

The fun for all ages I mentioned before, also includes a paddle board --- the kids love it, but we do too! 

I think Lisa had the best spot on this boat ride! 

The bigs all jumped on together - balance! 

A JennBen selfie 

So we are not pushing this at all - but this little miss has taken some interest in the potty - probably mostly because Elmo is on it -- but she was happy to sit a few times.

Since she was appropriately covered, I couldn't help but snap a photo! 

"Cheese!" 

Moana is not as popular as it once was, but we did watch it. Though you will notice that the boys are all glued to the TV and Anna is happily crawling all over them, not watching 

Train shed time --- the boys are all pretty good at running the trains on their own now, but love exploring over there in general too. The 3 heads in the middle where trying to convince Anne to come in --- 

Lots of yard games and ping pong also - makes it easy to play over there for a while, waiting for the day to warm up a little.  Post croquet pic of Jojo and Lisa. 

Train engineers hard at work. 

Success! 

Pontoon time with my big kid! 

TJ really loved getting some Anna time. The other 4 often pair off, leaving him out a little bit... so he was thrilled that Anna was happy to be his buddy! 

Bike ride through the campground. A little hard to give people space - felt like we were yelling/ reminding/ apologizing for most of the ride - but it was still fun! 

Bubbles with Grammy --- also finally getting the piggy tails! 

Trying to get a picture of all 6 kids sitting together at the end of the pier --- Anna was not interested. 

Might have been partially my fault as I knocked her into the water during sunscreen commotion earlier in the weekend. She had her life jacket on and was immediately rescued --- but still, not a fan of being close to the edge. 

Tried for a cute picture from the front too - but less than stellar outcomes here too. 

Anna was still eating her bribe from the previous photo

But this one is pretty great - these two are buds for sure! 

paddle boat fun with Corey! 

Until next time! 

Cottage weekend

Grammy and Buppa are continuing to make the cottage fun for all ages --- adding a ropes course for the boys. With the construction projects, the swings by the road had to go - so this was a great alternative. 

This monkey was all smiles and ready to test it out! 

With no beach, we searched for a sandbox for Anna (and as it turns out, the boys too). The turtle house across the lake had one to share --- and we are thrilled! 

Thanks to everyone that helped make it happen! 

Paddle boat rides with Grammy 

 

Lots of fishing and learning how to hold your trophies! 

Check out this big guy! 

Isaac and his honey hole --- :) 

Jimmy prefers to cast off the end of the pier and caught this beauty! 

Post weekend relaxing at home --- its a short week with the Rubles arriving for more cottage fun on Tuesday night! 

Summer Begins

So life is looking a little more normal these days - this week the boys started their new summer program at Spartan Day Camp and we are SO grateful that they have a safe and fun place to go 4 days a week! 

They are pumped to have the chance to meet some new friends and go on some field trips - right now they are being as creative as they can - but pretty much go somewhere every day! 

Lots of photos on FB each day - the two dudes on the left are Isaac and his buddy Rory! 

Anna is still adjusting to going back to daycare - so we have come home a few days and gone right to the deck for a sunny day popsicle! 

She is surprisingly good at eating a popsicle too :) 

We had treasure pick up from CLM --- I should have asked if we could get out of the car for a photo cause this is not the best photo. I asked Isaac if he wanted to wear his mask too and he said, " No cause then they can't see me smiling!" Excited for the boys to be at big kid camp - but sad that our time at CLM ended without us knowing :( 

More lawnmower tinkering... 

These two chose the pool instead! 

It was a pantry week --- and we are getting this new system down! 

sunscreen, masks and sunnies --- :) 

Last day of school calls for ice cream! 

Not quite what we hoped for - but blue moon in the back of the truck is still pretty great! 

Last day of school picture and treasure pick up for James! 

And after picking up "treasure" bags from both schools after weeks of COVID --- this is what your kitchen looks like - endless art projects and school supplies to look at and sort through. I think it is currently all back in the paper bag :) 

We ended our week with an unexpected evening at home - when you suddenly have to work Saturday and Grammy and Buppa already have the kids... you make nachos and drink beers on the deck all night. 

Happy summer indeed! 

week 11

Week 11 was a short week with Memorial day -- so Tuesday was a a rude awakening for Anna when she realized she was going back to daycare :( 

She was excited to get dressed and have her picture taken and go "bye bye" - but when I pulled into the daycare parking lot, she quickly said, "NOPE!" 

This week was just two days - but when the boys start day camp next week - she is going 4 days a week! 

James won a zoom BINGO game with his class and got a cool prize delivered to the house. It was a dinosaur egg that needed to be soaked and dug out.. very cool! 

Memories from my childhood at the farm - beautiful smells and flowers in our backyard! 

Summer temps are here! This little miss loves her blankets - but once asleep she sprawls like her brothers with no covers at all. 

Back yard "pool" happy hour! 

Followed by a rainstorm and big wheels in the puddles. 

Did you know you can blow up the water balloon thingy you stick on the hose? 

Bikes and bubbles - Anna can now blow bubbles and is pretty proud! 

Isaac can patiently get some bubbles as big as his head! 

One rainy night we pulled out the Nintendo from my childhood. We thought they would love the power pad and it would burn some energy. 

They did like it - but are much more interested in Mario Brothers. 

Loved how excited they were and how much they cheered for each other (and us) They are super impressed with our knowledge and skills (it is truly amazing what you remember without even realizing it) 

Can't see it - but we had a beautiful rainbow! 

Friday night truck picnic - kids got McDonalds...

We had Parthenon Gyros! 

Family photo on top of Observatory Drive. 

Jimmy snapped a photo of us - was supposed to be us swinging Anna - but Ikey jumped in too. 

The happy meal box was holding our Greek beers - there's no rules in COVID :) 

Patrick and Eric were working on the fishing boat and we decided to tag along. 

I was amazed watching the kids and how they have become more used to social distancing... 

They were thrilled to see one another but also kept their space - I guess they are listening when we talk and remind them EVERY DAY! 

Plenty close to the kids in their own house - and loving the pool! 

Sunday Grandma and Grandpa came over for a BBQ - showing Grandma all sorts of things on the ipad and I think creating birthday wish lists :) 

Some Grandma snuggles - those eyes! 

Next week - Spartan Day Camp!